I was asked by a private Client to look into a potential barn conversion to form a holiday let. The existing barn was previously used as a small crafts and glassware shop, although had more recently become just storage ancillary to the main house. There is no longer the need for retail use in this area.

Existing Floorspace

The internal footprint of the barn is 95 square metres, which is too large to be vacant storage. The property lends itself to a residential use and due to the neighbouring property running a successful holiday letting business, this was the obvious solution.

Proposed Design

The proposed design houses a single holiday let, which consists of an open plan living / kitchen / dining space with a bathroom and double bedroom. There is an area in the hallway for storage of luggage / wheelchair or stroller, making this a practical solution for holiday makers. A store to the rear could also house bicycles for tourists who come for cycling holidays in the countryside.

Existing Appearance

The existing appearance of the side elevation resembles that of a stable block. The stable doors open up onto the existing internal courtyard space.

Proposed Courtyard

The side of the dwelling will enter out onto an enclosed courtyard area which is to be used as amenity space for the holiday makers. This gives an open space useful for seating whilst being screened off from the main house, creating a private area.

Frontage of Existing Barn

The existing barn which faces the highway has a blank elevation with broken brick walls projecting out into the driveway. This is to be improved by a new front door and new driveway / parking area.

Planning Consent

After a lengthy planning process, proving environmental strategy and commercial viability, planning permission has been obtained in November 2017 for the conversion to take place.